“Mental health problems in children are more common than asthma or diabetes. We likely all know a child or teen who is struggling with a mental disorder,” said Dr. Mariette Chartier in a news release. Chartier is an assistant professor in the department of community health sciences in the Max Rady College of Medicine and the study’s lead author.

The study also found children from low-income families are at greater risk of developing a mental disorder. Chartier said that is because they are contending with poor housing, lower-quality food and higher levels of stress.

Chartier said Thursday that children with a mental disorder also do worse in school, are more likely to get in trouble with the law, and their overall physical health is lower.

Researchers also looked at suicide rates. They found in Manitoba, for teens aged 13-19, the suicide rate is nearly double the national average. Over the four-year study period, there were 91 reports of suicide and 504 reports of teens who attempted suicide. Many of these teens had been diagnosed with one or more mental disorders.

Chartier and her team found mental disorder diagnoses were more common in cities compared to rural settings. However, substance abuse and suicide attempt rates were higher in rural communities.

The study is calling for work to continue on a Child and Youth Mental Health Strategy, for earlier diagnoses, and for more education for children, parents, and anybody working with children and teens.

All personal information was removed from the data used in the study before it arrived at MCHP.

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Researchers at the University of Manitoba say about one in seven kids between the ages of six and 19 were diagnosed with a mental disorder by a physician between 2009 and 2013. (File Image)